Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
Working in Ecology’s Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) program, the Urban Waters Environmental Specialist leads the HWTR efforts with local governments to support and coordinate work addressing point and non-point sources of contamination entering the Spokane River.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys; communicating with customers, conducting sampling events, conducting field investigations and working with others with a goal of improving understanding of regulations and achieving compliance.

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability. Maybe you’ve seen some of our recent stories on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.

To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at www.ecy.wa.gov.

Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts

The mission of the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction (HWTR) Program is to foster sustainability, prevent pollution and promote safe waste management. This position contributes to HWTR’s mission by promoting and publicizing programs that focus on sustainability and pollution prevention. The Hazardous Waste Specialist / Urban Waters (Environmental Specialist 4) position will be located at the program’s Eastern Regional Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA.

This position works within the Eastern Region as an Urban Waters Environmental Specialist and compliance inspector/compliance assistance specialist working primarily in the Spokane Watershed. This position will work closely with and as part of a team with an Environmental Specialist within the ERO Water Quality program to identify sources of toxic pollutants contributing to the Spokane River contamination. This position conducts sampling events, field investigations and recommends appropriate actions to ensure compliance. This position also provides assistance to persons subject to hazardous waste regulations with the goal of improving understanding and achieving voluntary compliance.

Some of the key work activities include:

• Serves as the section expert in PCB, PBDE, dioxin/furan, lead, cadmium, and zinc sources and source control options in the Spokane Watershed.
• Serves as the lead HWTR Urban Waters Inspector in the Spokane Watershed.
• Coordinates with other Ecology programs to determine appropriate implementation based on recommendations established in agency strategies such as the PCB Chemical Action Plan.
• Coordinates with and participates on the Spokane River Regional Toxics Task Force technical track workgroup to identify needs, data gaps, implementation of projects and development of ‘Best Management Practices’ focused on identifying and controlling contaminant sources.
• In coordination with WQ staff interprets stormwater and WQ sampling data to identify potential sources and locations to support focused compliance and technical assistance efforts.
• Serves as the primary ERO point of contact for the Local Source Control Specialists providing guidance, identifying site visit focus areas, and to determine if facilities should be referred to Ecology staff for elevated investigations and/or enforcements.
• Independently plans, prioritizes and conducts inspections of dangerous waste generators to determine compliance with regulations, state statutes and facility permits to ensure compliance with the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 40 CFR Parts 260-279, the state Hazardous Waste Management Act (Chapter 70.105 RCW), state Dangerous Waste Regulations (Chapter 173-303 WAC) and portions of Water Quality Laws and Regulations(Chapter 90.48 RCW) and the Model Toxics Control Act (Chapter 70.105D RCW) Leads investigations including interviewing, sampling, coordination with affected public agencies and attorneys.
• Investigates complaints alleging non-compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Prepares written documentation of inspections, observations, and recommendations to achieve compliance consistent with agency and program policies and procedures.
• Submits or enters field investigation data into agency data systems such as RCRA Info, RSVP, ERTS, Urban Waters/LSCS database.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be March 26, 2015. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before March 25, 2015. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment anytime after the initial screening date.

A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied science field

AND

Five years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning which includes one year equivalent to an Environmental Specialist 3 or above.

A Master’s degree in one of the above fields may substitute for one year of the required professional level experience.